Control mechanism for machine tools



Sept. 19, 1944. w. s. TANDLER ETAL CONTROL MECHANISM FOR MACHINE TOOLS Filed Jan. 1. 1942 v 5 Sh eets-S heet 1 Fig. 2

H 1 y 4 1 2 2 l 6 n W 0 WP a mm v E W1 e 2 4 CONTA Box / Inventors ma g Witness M 7. (96am,

Sept. 19, 1944.

W. S. TANDLER ETAL CONTROL MECHANISMFOR MACHINE TOOLS I 5 Sheet-Sheet 2 F y- Filed Jan. 1, 1942 nz e r ltofs 0 Y 1 2 /Vq a l I I I I l ll 6 2 1 W j m m W p 5 944- w. s. TANDLER ET L 2,358,746

common MECHANISM FOR MACHINE TOOLS Filed Jan. 1, 1942 Sheets-Sheet 4 DRU DIVIDED INTO ONE REM OFDRUM In 8 EQUAL SPACES CONTROLS START/N6 0F EQUALS 2 LONG. TRAVEL 0F MACH/NE TABLE;

.SP/NDLE HEA D MOTOR.

E cH SPACEGIVES,

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OF START CONT/POLS'D/FPECTION OF lf? .HEL/CAL LINES HAvE ALEAD EOTA T/D/v OFSP/NDLE HEAD MOTOP. 0UAL To LEAD. OF DRUM SCREW.

D/vE REV. OF DPUM EQUALs Fi H DRUM D/v/DED INTO 125 EQUAL VERT'CAL WAVEL SPACES. EAcH SPACE GIVES OFSP/(VDLE HEAD.

- .002"0F5P/NDL HEADTRAVEL. 4- y TART CONTROLS STOPPING OF E i 1 HEL/cAL LINES HA vE A LEAD SP/NDLE HEAD Mo TOR. UAL To LEAD 0F DRUM SCREW.

45 I nvntors M E Sept. 19, 1944. v w s TANDLER ETAL 2,358,746

' CONTROL MECHANISMFOR MACHINE TOOLS Filed Jan. 1, 1942 1.5 sheetssheet s FL'yJZ BRA KE 30 sou/vow F457" AusoL.

L2 RC SWITCH VH TL as up STOP Invent 719 Patented Sept. 19, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE A CONTROL FOR MACHINE William S. Tandler and David S. Walker, New York, N. Y., assignors to Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Company, a corporation of Rhode Island Application January 1, 1942, Serial No. 425,310 21 Claims. (01. 90-135) The present invention relates to improvements in control mechanism for machine tools, and more particularly to a novel and improved control means for effecting relative positioning movements of two supports movable in diverse directions, in accordance with a predetermined .ment of the spindle head during the progress of the milling operation.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a novel and improved profiling attachment in which pattern control devices of arbitrary or conventional form may be employed for producing the desired relative contour-producing movement of the tool and work.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel and improved pattern control mechanism for effecting relative positioning movements of supports movable in diverse directions in which the relative positioning movements are effected by means of a long series of very small stepped adjustments to insure a maximum degree of accuracy in the production of the desired sitions of two supports movable in. diverse directions which particularly constructed and arranged to avoid any accumulation or building up of possible errors in the 'operation of the pattern control in effecting successive stepped adjustments of the relative positions of the supports.

Other objects of the invention relate to spe cific features of construction and arrangement of applicants profiling attachment which contribute in producing a more efficient and accurate operation of the machine.

With these and other objects in view, as may hereinafter appear, a feature of the invention consists in the provision in a machine of the general type described having a plurality of supports arranged for back and forth movements in diverse paths, of pattern control devices comprising pattern elements with arbitary or conventional indicia thereon, and actuating means responsive to the dictation of the indicia for starting and stopping and for controlling the direction of movement of at least one of thesupports to produce an irregular or contoured pattern of relative movement. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a pattern mechanism in the form of a photo-electric cell scanning device responsive to variations in the amount of light reflected from a pattern card or similar element is employed, which is in many respects similar to that described and claimed in applicants copending application Serial No. 349,968, filed August 2, 1940, now Patent No. 2,336,376, issued December '7, 1943, for Photoelectric control devices.

Another feature of the invention consists in the provision of separate pattern elements with indicia thereon arranged to move in timed relation'with the work support and with the tool I support, and means actuated by said pattern elements for effecting a series of stepped positioningmovements of the tool support during the continued movement of the work support in accordance with a predetermined pattern of operation.

Another feature of the invention consists in the specific construction and arrangement of the pattern control mechanism to include a pattern device which is synchronized with the positioning movements of the spindle head, and has for 1 its operating function to stop the movement of the spindle head in each succeeding adjusted position. With this construction and arrangement of the pattern control mechanism, any possible building up or accumulation of error which might appear in the operation of the pattern mechanism is avoided.

Another feature of the invention consists more specifically in the construction and arrangement of the mechanism for driving the pattern drum associated with the spindle head to maintain a'uni-directional rotation of the pattern drum in synchronism with movement of the spindle head during the continued operation upon a work piece, irrespective of any reversals which may take place in the direction of movement of the spindle head.

Other features of the invention consist also in the devices, combinations and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed which, together with the advantages to be obtained in the art from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. '1 is a view in front elevation of a milling machine embodying in a preferred form the several features-of the invention; Fig. 2 is a detail view on a larger scale, looking from the left, of the table pattern drum and the associated scanning devices; Fig. 3 is a detail view in front elevation of the base portion of the machine and with parts sectioned or broken away head, together with the pattern drum and the reversible connections for driving the same in synchronism with the spindle vertical feed; Fig. 7 is a detail sectional plan view taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a view looking from the left side of the machine and on a smaller scale than Fig. 6, toillustrate particularly the reverser and the mechanism for controllin the position of the same to determine the direction of drive of the pattern drum mounted on the spindle head; Fig.9 is a detail view in rear elevation of certain of the parts shown in Fig. 8, and looking from the left with relation to Fig. 8; Fig, 18 is a developed view showing in diagrammatic and simplified form the pattern card to be placed on the table pattern drum; Fig. 11 illustrates in developed form the pattern card to be located on the spindle head drum; Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view 01' the electrical connections; and Fig. 13 is a contour milled work piece produced by the pattern, cards illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11.

Applicants improved profiling attachment is herein disclosed as applied to a milling machine of the general type having a longitudinal work table and a vertically adjustable milling cutter 88 and appropriate driving connections carried on the spindle head 28. These, as best shown by dotted lines in Fig. 1, include a pinion 34, armature shaft 38 of the motor 38, a gear 38 carried on a shaft 48, a pair of pick-off gears 42, 44 mounted respectively on the shaft 48, and on a shaft 48 which is in turn connected through bevel gears 48 and 88 to drive the spindle.

As best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the work table 22 is driven from an electric motor 88 mounted in the base 28 of the machine through driving connections which may be of ordinary description, and which are more fullyset forth in the patent of Bennett and Krause above referred to. These connections include a pinion 81 mounted on the armature shaft 58 of the motor, and adapted to mesh with a large gear 59 on a parallel operating shaft 88. The quick traverse drive is taken from the shaft 88 through a spiral gear eaten-1e thereby, will be readily understood by one skilled 82 on the shaft 88, and a cooperating. spiral gear 84 loosely supported to'turn on a shaft 88. The feed drive is taken from the operating shaft 88 through a series of pickif gears carried on the shaft 88 and on two para el shafts 88 and 89. A worm 18 on the shaft 89 meshes with a worm wheel I2 loosely supported to turn on the shaft 88. A feed-quick traverse clutch member in the form of a gear I4 is interposed between the feed worm wheel I2 and quick traverse gear 84 on the shaft 88, and is axially shiftable from an intermediate I neutral position into clutching engagement with either of them. In the feed position the feedquick traverse clutch gear 14 engages with a feed driving element in the form of an internal gear 18 formed on one face of the worm wheel 12. Movement of the feed-quick traverse clutch member I4 from neutral position .in the opposite direction engages cooperating clutch faces on the member 14 and quick traverse driving gear 84. The feedquick traverse clutch gear I4 meshes with an idler gear 88, which in turn meshes with sleeve nut elements 82, screw-threaded to the table-feed screw 84 carried on the work table 22.

For controlling the position of the quick traverse clutch gear 14, a shifting rod 88 is provided, which extends axially within a bore formed in the shaft 88, and is connected at its inner end by a cross pin to the gear I4. A compression spring 88 coiled about the rod 88 tends to shift the rod and the clutch gear leftwardly into engagement with the feed clutch member 18. The rod 88 and the clutch gear 14 are moved axially to the right to the quick traverse position against the pressure of spring 88 by the action of a solenoid 98, the armature 82 of which is connected by a-link 84 with the free arm of a forked clutch shifting lever 98.

Power adjustment of the vertical position of the spindle head 28 is effected by means of an electric motor I88, carried in the upper portion of themachine column 24. The motor I88 is connected through shaft I82 and worm I84 with a worm gear I88 secured to the upper end of the spindle head feed screw I88 which is in threaded engagement with a nut I I8 rigidly mounted within the spindle head 28.

The profiling attachment which forms more specifically the subject-matter of the present invention, comprises a pattern drum synchronized with the translatory movements of the work table, and scanning devices associated therewith operative to control the starting and direction of movement of the spindle head, a second pattern drum synchronized with movement of the spindle head and a scanning device associated therewith for arresting movement of the spindle head in 'the desired adjusted position.

The moving element of the pattern control device synchronized with relation to the translatory movement of the work .table for starting and for controlling the direction of movement of the spindle head, comprises a pattern drum I I2 which is mounted at the left-hand end of the machine, and is arranged to be driven directly from the table actuating mechanism in synchronized relation thereto. As best shown in Fig. 5, the pattern drum H2 is fitted over a sleeve support H4 secured to the machine frame, and is operatively connected thereto by the engagement of a nut portion H8 on the drum H2 with the screwthreaded external periphery of the sleeve support H4. With this construction, rotational movement of the drum H2 is combined with an axial movement thereof to cause the relatively staassay-1c of the drum. Rotational movements are imparted to the drum II 2 through connections which include a telescoping drive shaft. This shaft comprises an axially shiftable rod II8 connected at its outer end to the drum H2, and at its other end keyed to turn with and to slide.

ward or outer end a bevel gear I22 which meshes l with a bevel gear I24 on a drive shaft I26 extending laterally along the front side of the machine. The shaft I26 is connected to be driven from the idler' gear .80 of the table driving gear train through a series of idler gears, which include an idler I30 .meshing with the idler gear 80 and idler I32 and a gear I34 secured to the shaft I26. For convenience in setting up the machine for operation on a particular workpiece, the pattern drum H2 is constructed and-arranged to permit the'substitution of one pattern card for another with a minimum of effort. As best shown in Fig. 5, the pattern card takes the form of a cylinder I36, which is supported at one end on a flange portion I38 of the drum, and at its other end on a removable flange or ring I40, which is held in place on the drum by the engagement of a spring-pressed plunger I42 with an annular recess in the peripheral surface of the drum.

The moving element of the pattern control synchronized with the movement of the spindle head 26, comprises a pattern drum I48 which is mounted on the top of the machine column and is ar- 1 ranged to be driven from the spindle head feed screw I08 through reversing mechanism arranged to cause the drum I48 to be continuously rotated in the same direction during the operation on a work piece, irrespective of changes in the direction drive of the spindle head adjusting screw I08. A pattern card I49 is removably supported on the drum I48 between the flanged lower end of the drum and a removable flange I5I fitted to the upper end of the drum. The pattern drum I48 is fitted over a vertically arranged sleeve support I50 and has formed in the lower end thereof a nut portion I52 which meshes with a screw thread cut in the external periphery of the sleeve support I50. The drum I48 is rotated by means of a shaft I54 which is mounted Wlthn the sleeve support I50, and has formed inthe upper portion thereof a keyway, by means of which the drum I48 is keyed to turn with and is permitted to move vertically with relation to the shaft I54. An internal gear I58 secured to the lower end of the shaft I54 is arranged to mesh with a pinion I60 formed in the upper end of a short shaft I62. The shaft I62 is arranged to bedriven from the worm gear I06 and feed screw I08 through a reversin mechanism which comprises bevel gears I64, I66 oppositely disposed from one another and secured respectively to t e shaft I62 and to the upper end of the feed screw I88. The bevel gears I64 and I66 are cr-nnect ed to one another by means of two ODDOSltGIY dIS- posed idler gears I68 and I10, supported on a cross shaft I12 on a cage I14. Surrounding the cage I14 and keyed to turn therewith is a clutch sleeve I16 which is provided at its lower end with a coned friction clutch surface I18 for engagement with a corresponding friction surface I80 on one face of the worm gear I06. The clutch sleeve I16 is provided also with a friction clutch surface I82 for engagement with a stationary or braking friction surface I84 formed on a stationary ring I88. A compression spring I88 coiled about the clutch sleeve I16 between a shoulder on .the clutch sleeve and the flanged upper end of the cage I14 tends to forcethe clutch sleeve I18 downwardly into clutching engagement with the worm gear I08.

In the operation of the device, downward movement of the clutch sleeve. I16 into clutching engagement with the worm gear I06 will cause the cage I14 to turntherewith, thus locking the bevel gears against relative movement. For this position of the parts, the drum I48 is rotated In the same d rection as the feed screw I08. Movement of the clutch sleeve I16 upwardly into engagement with the stationary clutch ring I84 will lock the cage I14 against rotational movement, and will cause the drive to be taken from the feed screw I08 and bevel gear I66 through bevel gears I68 and I10 to drive the bevel gear I64 and associated parts, including the drum I48, in an opposite direction with relation to the feed screw I 8. Associated with the reversing mechanism above described, applicant provides electrically operated control means which is operative upon each reversal in the direction of drFve of the spindle head motor to effect a corresponding adjustment inthe position of the clutch sleeve I16, so that the drum I48 will be driven continuously in one d rection during the continuance of th m lling operat on upon a work piece.

The position of the reversing clutch sleeve I16 is controlled through connections comprising a clutch shifting yoke I90 which is secured to a transversely extending rock shaft I92 and is provided with shoes I94 for engagement with an annular groove I96 formed n the peripheral surface of the clutch sleeve I 16. A downwardly extending arm I98 secured to the rock shaft I92 is connected by means of a link 200 with the armature 202 associated with clutch reversing solenoid 204. The link 200, as will be evident by an irsnection of Figs. '7 and 9, is formed in two parts which are held in closed relat on by means of a small compression spring 206 to provide a yieldin connection between the solenoid armature 202 and the clutch shifting yoke I90.

As hereinafter more fully pointed out, the operation of the reversing mechanism for the pattern drum is controlled by the pattern mechanism in such a manner as to keep the drum rotating always in the same direction during the continu-.

ance of a milling operation. In order to provide for the quick return of the drum to its initial starting pos tion preparatory for the performance of a new milling operation, applicants provlde means for disconnecting the pattern drum "'0 fromits driving mechanism, so that it may be manually turned back by the operator. To this end. a manual control is provided which is available to shift the clutch sleeve I16 to an intermediate neutral position in which the driving mechanism for the pattern drum I48 is disconnected. The manual control for the reversing clutch sleeve I16 comprises a hand lever 208 which is rigidly secured to a rock shaft 2I0 horizontally mounted n the machine column, and having its inner end pr ject rrg beneath one arm of the clutch yoke I90. The end portion of the rock shaft 2I0 is slabbed off at 2I2 to provide a cam surface for engagement with the yoke I90. For the position of the rock shaft in which the slabbed-off portion is uppermost, the yoke I and clutch sleeve I16 are permitted to move freely from one operating positionto the other. Rotation of the rock shaft 2I0 through substantially ninety degrees causes the yoke I90 to be engaged against the outer peripheral surface of the rock shaft 2"), to raise the clutch yoke I90 and clutch sleeve I16 to an intermediate neutral position in which the clutch sleeve and cage I14 are disconnected and free to rotate independently of the worm wheel I08 and feed screw I06. The manual clutch control is retained in either of its alternative positions by means of a small detent plunger 2 mounted in the clutch control handle208 for engagement with either of two recesses 2I6 on the machine column.

For controlling the starting and stopping and direction of rotation of the spindle motor I in accordance with a predetermined pattern of operation, applicants provide pattern elements in the form of cards with indicia thereon, which cooperate with photo-electric cell scanning devices.

The scanning devices herein disclosed are substantially similar to those illustrated in applicants copending application Serial No. 349,968, filed August 2, 1940, for Photo-electric control devices, and comprise in each instance a light source from which a beam of light is directed against the card on the pattern drum, to be reflected by indicia in the form of light reflective spots against a photo-electric cell which is sensitive to variations in the amount of light reflected from the drum.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, two scanning devices are provided for use with the pattern drum H2 and card I36, consisting of alight 224 and a photo-electric cell 226 for controlling the direction of rotation of the spindle head motor I00,- and a light 220 and photo-electric cell 222 for controlling the starting of the spindle head motor I00. These elements are mounted within a unit 228 supported at one side of the pattern drum II2 by means of a bracket 230. A scanning unit, generally designated at 232 is provided for use in connection with pattern drum I48, being mounted adjacent thereto on a bracket 234. Figs. and ll of the drawings illustrate, by way of example, developments of representative pattern cards which may be employed in connection with the scanning devices controlling the vertical movement of the spindle head, in accordance with the requirement of a profile milling operation. Each of these cards comprises a sheet of black paper, or preferably a dull finish black phenol resin cylinder having indicia in the form of aluminum or silvered spots, capable of reflecting light from the source onto the photo-electric cell. In the example shown (see Fig. 10), it is assumed that one revolution of the drum II2 equals onehalf inch of longitudinal travel of the work supporting table 22. The drum card I36 is divided into eight equal spaces, so that each space represents 1 g of an inch of table travel. The helical lines on the drum card I36 have a lead equal to the thread on the drum spindle support H4. The indicia toward the right hand end of the drum as viewed in Fig. 2, and specifically illustrated as helical comprising the upper half of the card I36 in Fig. 10, operate to start the spindlehead motor, which is subsequently stopped by the control from the pattern drum I48. The indicia toward the left hand end of the drum and comprising the lower portion of card I36 in Fig. 10, control the direction of rotation of the spindle head motor I00. 3

As shown in Fig. 11, the pattern card I49 associated with the pattern drum I48 on the machine column, is arranged so that one revolution of the drum quals .250 of vertical travel 'of the spindle head. This card is divided into 125 equal spaces, of which each space represents .002" of spindle head travel. The helical lines are spaced to represent the width of the track followed by the scanning device, and have a lead equal to the lead of the screw thread on the sleeve support I50 for the drum I48.

The electrical connections whereby thepattern control scanning devices above described are rendered operative'to control the starting and stopping. and direction of movement of the spindle head motor I00, are intended for use in connection with the electrical control system for a milling machine particularly illustrated and described in the patent to Bennett and Krause above. referred to. Inasmuch as the construction and operation of the electrical connections for controlling the starting and stopping and direction of movement of the work supporting table and of the milling cutter spindle form specifically no part of the present invention, and are fully described in the patent above referred to, specific illustration of the same is herein omitted, except so far as is believe'dnecessary to illustrate the connection of applicants profile mechanism therewith. As will be evident from Fig. 12 of the drawings, the operation of the head vertical motor I00 is controlled by the vertical motor reversing contacts VUVD which are in turn controlled by relays W and VD. The drum reversing clutch solenoid 204 above referred to, is noted as VCD. There are also provided a number of auxiliary V relays which include a vertical holding relay VH shaft I02 of the motor I00, and a hollow drum or band 264 which is fitted loosely over the drum 260. The drum 260 and band 264 are partially immersed in an oil bath, and are so constructed and arranged that rotation of the motor shaft and drum 260 will set up a film of oil between.

the drum 260 and the band 264 which provides suflicient resistance to bias the band 264 in the direction of rotation. The band 264 is provided at'its upper side with a lug 266, to which are connected switch plungers 268, 210 for controlling the plugging switch connections. Compression springs 212, 213 coiled about the plungers 268, 210 tend to center the plungers and band 264 in an intermediate position in which both plugging switches are disengaged.

The operation of applicants automatic profile control mechanism to effect an adjustment in the position of the milling cutter spindle to-' ward the work during the performance of a milling cut, will be briefly described as follows:

Assuming that the work table has started moving to the right and that the pattern card I36 has been brought into position so that the light beams from the lights 220 and 224 are at the starting points of their respective indicia with the object of starting the vertical spindle motor I00 moving up, the following operations take place.

In Fig. 10, the light beam from the light 224 is at first not reflected into the photo-electric cell 226 sinceit strikes a non-reflecting part of the pattern card. Therefore no current .fiows in the photo-electric cell and relay UD is not energized. Contact UD 33-44 remains closed so that the closing of starting contact HS 44-6 will energize relay W to start the vertical spindle head motor I rotating in a direction to move the spindle head up. Contact UD 46-44 remains open so that the closing of the starting contact HS 44-6 would be inefiective to energize relay VD. Contact UD 52-6 remains open allowing spring I88 to maintain the' position of drum reversing switch solenoid VCD and the direction of rotation of the pattern drum I48.

As the pattern card I36 rotates in synchronism with the table movement the light beams from lights 220 and 224 follow the helical tracks thereon. As the first reflecting spot comes into the path of the light beam from light 220 it acts to reflect light onto photo-electric cell 222 increasing the current in the cell. This increased current acts through amplifier 242 to close the circuit through starting relay HS to energize the same. Contact HS 44-6 closes and since contact UD 38-44 is closed as above described, relay VIII is energized to start the vertical spindle head motor and spindle head moving up. Contact HS I-6 closes at substantially the same time energizing relay VH. Contact VH 49-50 closes forming a holding circuit forrela'y VH and contact VH 44-50 closes maintaining a, closed circuit through relay VU even though contact HS "-6 is open as record card I36 continues rotation and the reflecting spot leaves the path of the light beam from light 220.

The operation of the electrical connections to stop movement of the spindle head motor I00 is as follows: When the spindle head has been moved the desired distance, a light reflecting spot on the pattern card I49 of the pattern drum I48 will move into register with the light beam from the scanning unit 232. The increased current induced in photo-electric cell 233 then acts through amplifier unit 244 to energize the vertical stop relay VS. Contact VS 48-6 opens deenergizing the vertical holding relay VH, and also opening the circuit to the vertical spindle head motor switch relay VU. Contact VH 40-4! closes as relay VHis de-energized, thus bringing into operation the plugging switch connections for plugging the vertical head motor I00 to a quick stop. With, the spindle head motor operating in the down direction, the plugging switch comprising band 246 will be positioned so that contact 42-40 is closed. As relay VU is deenergized, as above noted, contact VU 42-46 closes, energizing relay VD to reverse the spindle head motor I00. As the motor is now plugged to a stop, the plugging switch again returns to its neutral position under the influence of springs 212, 213, opening contact 42-40 and de-energizing relay VD, thus leaving the vertical head motor I00 in its stationary position.

The operations above described will be repeated for each of a series of upward adjusting movements of the spindle head and cutter spindle. In accordance with the preferred operation of the device, an extremely large number of stepped adjustments, each of very small extent, will is employed.

The operation of the scanning mechanism to produce a stepped downward movement of the when it is proposed to start the spindle head motor moving down, a light reflecting spot on the pattern drum I36 causes light to be reflected against photo-electric cell 222- to de-energize relay HS. For this operation, it must be assumed that the broad band of light reflecting material on card I36 has come into range of the beam from light224 so that the current in photo-electric cell 226 is increased and closes the contact through amplifier 240-and energizes relay UD. Contact UD 33-44 is opened and vertical motor up switch relay VU cannot be energized. Contact HS 44-6 closes, and since contact UD 44-46 is closed, the vertical motor down switch relay VD closes, thus starting the vertical spindle head motor moving downward. The energizing of the verticalstarting relay HS closes contact 6I-6 energizing the vertical holding relay VH. Contact VH 44-50 closes maintaining the'circult through VD. It will be noted that when relay UD is energized, UD contact 62-6 closes, thus energizing the drum reversing solenoid VCD to position, and thereby reverse the direction of rotation of the pattern drum I48 with respect to the worm gear I06-and feed screw I08. The operation of these switch contacts insures that the pattern .drum I48 is always driven in the same direction, irrespective of the direction of rotation of the spindle head motor I00 in effecting adjustment up or down, as the case may be. When it is again desired to stop the spindle head motor I00 from its downward movement, a light reflecting spot on pattern card I49 will actuate the scanning 'device 232, increasing current through photo-electric cell 233, and energizing the vertical stop relay VS. The operation in stopping is similar to that previously described in connecton wth the stopping of up movement.

For purposes of illustration, the pattern cards I36 and I49 illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, respectively, are laid out to cause the machine to produce the milled contour of Fig. 13. During the first portion of the operation, it will readily be seen that the spindle head has started moving up in a series of logs which are spaced from one another to produce the desired upward curve. As the milling cutter reaches the top of the contour, the direction of movement of the spindle head motor is reversed, and a rapid series of short jogging movements are imparted thereto which are particularly intended to overcome the backlash present in the spindle head screw and nut driving connection. The reversal in the direction of drive takes place as the light beam controlling the direction of drive rides ,onto the first silvered band on the lower portion of the pattern card I36. Movement of the spindle head motor in the down direction is continued in a series of jogs spaced to produce the first downward slope of the contour. When it becomes necessary to level oil for the production of that portion of the milled contour which is at constant level, the direction ofldrive of the spindle head motor is again reversed in the upward direction in a series of short jogging movements which are sufiicient only to eliminate the backspindle head and cutter spindle is as follows: for the formation of the second upward and downward direction in a series of jogs spaced toform the last downwardly-sloped portion of the milled contour.

Applicants profiling attachment has the parone of said'supports, and means actuated there by for initiating movement of the other or said supports in a diverse direction, a pattern element connected to be advanced in timed relation by said other'support, and means actuated by said latter pattern element for stopping movement of said other support.

3. In a machine tool having a plurality oi supports movable in diverse directions, a control mechanism for efiecting a step-by-step relative movement oi said supports in accordance with a predetermined pattern comprising a pattem element connected to be advanced in synchronism with one of said supports and means actuated thereby for initiating successive. stepped movements of the other of said supports in a be accomplished either through the placing of entirely black pattern cards on the pattern drums 6-448, or by disconnecting the amplitying circuits through the agency of switch connections not here shown. In order to render the 'head spindle motor I00 available for manual kmtrol, manually operable controls are provide ior energizing the starting, stopping and reversingrelays HS, VS and UD, respectively. A reversing switch is provided under the control of a reversing buttog 214 for closing a shunt circuit to energize relay UD. Similarly,a starting switch is provided under the control of a button 216 for closing a shunt circuit to energize starting relay HS. A stop switch is provided under the control of a stop button 218 for for closing a shunt circuit to energize the vertical stop relay VS. The operation of these relays has been described. It will be noted that the pressing of the start button 216 alone will start the spindle head moving up. A simultaneous pressing of the start button 216 and reversing button 214 is required to start the spindle head 7 moving down. When the profiling attachment is not in operation, the hand lever 208 will be turned to its neutral position to disconnect the pattern drum I48 from its driving and reversingwithout departing from the spirit and scope oi the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

diverse direction, a pattern element connected to be advanced in synchronism with said other support, and means actuated by'said'latter pattern element forstopping each of said successive steppedv movements-oi said other support.

4. In amachine tool having supports arranged for back and forth movements in di-l verse paths, a control mechanism for efiecting a series of stepped relative movements of said supports in accordance with a predetermined pattern, comprising a pattern element connected to be advanced in synchronism with one of said supports and means actuated thereby for initiating each succession stepped movement of the other of said supports and for determining the direction of said movement, a pattern elementconnected to be advanced in synchronism with said other support, and means actuated by said latter pattern element for stopping movement of said other support.

5. In a machine tool having a tool holder and a work support, means for effecting a series 01' steppedrelative movements of the tool holder and support in two diverse directions, a pattern device connected for movement in timed relation with said relative movement in one direction, a pattern device connected for movement in timed relation with the relative movement in a diverse direction, and means controlled by said pattern devices for controlling the movement in said diverse direction comprising means actuated by the first-named pattern device to start each succession stepped movement in said diverse direction, and means actuated by said last named pattern device to stop the movement in said diverse direction.

1. In a machine tool having a plurality of sup- I ports movable in diverse directions, a control mechanism for efiecting relative movement of said supports in accordance with a predetermined pattern comprising a' pattern element connected to be advanced in timed relation by one of said supports, and means actuated thereby for initiating relative movement, a pattern element connected to be advanced in timed relation by the other or said supports, and means actuated by said latter pattern element for stopping saidrelative movement.

2. In a machine tool having a plurality 01 supports movable in diverse directions, a control mechanism for effecting relative movement of said supports in accordance with a predetermined pattern comprising a' pattern element connected to be advanced in timed relation by 6. In a machine tool having a tool holder and a work support, means for effecting relative translatory-movement of said tool holder and support, means for effecting relative transverse movement of said tool holder and work support. and a profiling device comprising a pattern'element connected for movement in timed relation with said means for efiecting relative translatory movement, a pattern element connected for movement in timed relation with said means for effecting relative transverse movement, means actuated by said first-mentioned pattern element for instituting said transverse movement, and means actuated by said latter pattern element to stop said transverse movement.

7. In a machine tool having a tool holder and a work support, means for eiIecting relative translatory movement of said tool holder and support means for eflecting relative transverse movement of said tool holder and work support including means for reversing the direction of relative transverse movement, and a profiling device comprisinga pattern element connected -a,sus,74o. I 7

for movement in timed relation with said means for effecting relative translatory movement, a pattern element connected for movement in timed relation with said means for eflecting relative transverse movement, means actuated by movement of said tool holder and work support including means for reversing the direction of relative transverse movement, and a profiling device having a stepped operation which comprises a pattern element connected for movement in timed relation with said means for effecting relative translatory movement, a pattern element connected for movement in timed relation-with said meansfor effecting relative transverse movement, means actuated at selected intervals by said first-mentioned pattern element for in- 25.

stituting said transverse movement and for determining the direction thereof, and means actuated by said latter pattern element to stop said transverse movement.

9. In a machine tool having a tool holder and so a work support, means for efiecting relative translatory movements of said tool holder and support, means for effecting relative transverse movement of said tool holder and support including means for reversing the direction of relative transverse movement, and a profiling device comprising a pattern drum with indicia thereon connected to be rotated in timed relation from said means for efi'ecting relative translatory movement, a second pattern drum with indicia 4 thereon connected to be rotated in timed relation with said meansfor effecting relative transverse movement, means responsive to the dictation of thev indicia of said first-mentioned pattern drum for starting said transverse movement and for determining the direction thereof, and means responsive to the dictation of the indicia of said latter pattern drum to stop said transverse movement.

10 In a machine tool having a tool holder and a work support, means forefiecting relative translatory movement of said tool holder and support, means for effecting relative transverse movement of said tool holder and support including means for reversing the direction of relative transverse movement, and a profiling device comprising a pattern drum with indicia thereon connected to be rotated in timed relation with said means for effecting relative translatory movement, a second pattern drum, with indicia o thereon, connected to be rotated in timed relation with said means for effecting relative trans verse movement, means for reversing the direction of rotation of said second pattern drum relative to said transverse motion producing means,

means responsive to the dictation of the indicia of said first-mentioned pattern drumfor instituting said transverse movement, for determining the direction thereof, and for determining the direction of rotation of said latter pattern drum with 7 respect to the direction of said transverse movement,,and means responsive to the dictation of said second pattern drum to stop said transverse movement.

a work support, means for effecting relative translatory movementoi said tool holder and support, means for effecting relative transverse movement of said tool holder and support including means 'for reversing the direction of said rel- 1 ative transverse movement,'and a profiling device comprising a pattem' drum havingindicia thereon and connected to be rotated and to be moved axially in timed relation with said means 1 for effecting relative translatory movement, a

second pattern drum having indicia thereon and connected to be rotated and to be moved axially in timed relation with said means for effecting relative transverse movement, means responsive to the dictation of the indicia of said first-mentioned pattern drum for starting said transverse movement and for determining the direction thereof, and means responsive to the dictation of the indicia of said second pattern drum to stop said transverse movement.

12. In a machine tool having a tool holder and a work support, means for effecting relative translatory movements of said tool holder and support, means for efl'e'cting relative transverse movement of said tool holder and support includcia thereon connected to be advanced in timed relation from said means for efiecting relative transverse movement, electrically operated devices responsive to the'indicia of said first-mentioned pattern element for starting said transverse movement and for determiningthe direction thereof, and electrically operated devices responsive to the indicia of said second pattern element to stop said transverse movement.

13, In a machine tool having a tool holder and a work support, means for efiecting relative translatory movement of said tool holder and support, means for efi'ecting relative transverse movement of said tool holder and support including means for reversing the direction of relative transverse movement, and a profiling device comprising a pattem element having indicia thereon connected to be advanced in timed relation to said means for effecting relative translatory movement, a second pattern element with indicia thereon connected to be advanced in timed relation with said means for effecting relative transverse movement, electrically operated means responsive to the dictation of the indicia of said first-mentioned pattern drum for starting said transverse movement and for determining the direction thereof, and electrically operated means responsive to the dictation of said second pattern element to stop said transverse movement, said electrically operated means in. each instance comprising a light source, a photo-electric cell responsive to variations in the intensity of light directed thereupon from the light source by said indicia, and actuating means controlled by said cell. l

14. In a milling machine having a work table, a rotary milling cutter spindle and a spindle support, means for effecting relative translatory movement of said work table and spindle sup- 4 .port, means for imparting relative transverse 11. In a machine tool having a tool holder and indicia thereon arranged to be driven in timed relation from said means for effecting translathereon arranged to be driven in timed relation from-said means for effecting relative. transverse movement, and including means for reversing the direction of rotation of said latter pattern drum with relation to its driving means, means responsive to the dictation of the indicia of said flrst-mentioned pattern drum for starting said tory movement, .a pattern drum. with indicia ments of said supp rts in timed relation with the relative translatory movement thereof which comprises a plurality ofpattem control units including pattern units synchronized with each of said relative translatory and relative transverse movements of the supports, said pattern units controlling respectively the starting and stopping l5. Ina milling machine, a milling cutter spin- I die, a spindle support, a work support, means for eifecting relative translatory movement of said supports, means for eflectlng relative transverse shifting movement of said supports to move the work, a profiling attachmentarranged for eilecting relative transverse shifting movement of said supports in timed relation with the relative translatory movement thereof, which comprises pattern means operating in timed relation with said relative translatory movement to start said relative transverse movement, and pattern means operable in timed relation with said relative transverse movement to arrest the same.

milling cutter spindle toward and away from the:

or th relative transverse movement of the supports. a

19. In a milling machine, a milling cutter spindle, a spindle support, a work support, means for eifecting relative translatory movement of said supports, means for eil'ecting relative transverse shifting movement of said supports to move the milling cutter spindle toward and away from the work, a profiling attachment arranged for effecting a series of relative transverse shifting movements of said supports in timed relation with the relative translatory movement thereof which comprises a plurality of pattern control units including pattern units synchronized with each of said relative translatory and transverse movements of the supports, and arranged to control respectively the starting and stopping of the relative transverse movement of the supports,

each of said pattern units comprising a moving photo-electric cell sensitive to variations of light 16. In a milling machine, a milling cutter spin-- dle,- a spindle support, a work support, mean for effecting relativ translatory movement of said supports, means for efiecting relative transverse shifting movement of said supports to move the.

milling cutter spindle toward and away from the work, a profiling attachment arranged for effecting a series of relative transverse shifting movements of said supports in timed relation with the relative translatory movement thereof which comprises pattern means operating at predetermined intervals in timed relation with the relative translatory movement of the supports to start each succeeding relative transverse movement, and pattern means operating in timed relation with said relative transverse movement to arrest each successive relative transverse shifting movement.

17. In a milling machine, a milling cutter spindle, a spindle support, a work support, means for effecting relativ translatory movement of said.

supports, means for eflecting relative transverse shifting movement of said supports to move the milling cutter spindle toward and away from the work, a profiling attachment arranged for effecting a series of relative transverse shifting movements of said supports in timed relation with the -relative translatory movement thereof, which comprises pattern means operating at predetermined intervals in timed relation with said relative translator movement to start said relative transverse movement, and to determine the direction thereof, and pattern means operable in timed relation with said relative transverse movement to arrest each successive relative transverse shifting movement of the supports.

18. In a milling machine, a milling cutter spindle, a spindle support, a work support, means for effecting relative translatory movement of said supports, means for effectin relative transverse shifting movement of said supports to move the milling cutter spindle toward and away from the work, a profiling attachment arranged for eiIecting a series of relativetransverse shifting movetransmitted thereto from the. light source by said indicia, and actuating means controlled by said and to control the direction of said movement,

and a pattern drum connected to be driven in synchronism with the spindle support, and means responsive to the'dlctation of said drum to arrest each successive shifting movement of the spindle support.

21. In a milling machine, the combination of a milling cutter spindle, a vertically adjustable spindle support, a longitudinally movable work support, driving-connections for the work support, a reversible electric motor and driving connections therefrom for the spindle support, and a profiling attachment comprising pattern control means for imparting a series of step-by-step positioning movements to the spindle support in timed relation with the movement .of the work support, said pattern control means including a pattern element arranged for movement in synchronism with the spindle support, and means responsive to th dictation of said pattern element to arrest each successive stepped movement of the spindle support. a

22. In a machine tool having a plurality of sup ports arranged for movement in diverse paths and driving means for each of said supports, a pattern control mechanism for efiecting a series of stepped relative positioning movements or said supports in accordance with a predetermined pattern which comprises pattern elements with arbitrary indicia thereon, and actuating means responsive to the dictation of said indicia for starting and stopping and for controlling the direc-' tion of eachof a series of stepped positioning movements of at least one of the supports to produce a contoured pattern of relative movement.

2-3. In a machine tool having a plurality of supports arrangedior movement in diverse paths and driving mean for each of said supports, a

pattern control mechanism for efiecting a series of stepped relative positioning movements of said supports in accordance with a predetermined pattern which comprises individual pattern elements movablezin synchronism with each of said supports and having arbitrary indicia thereon, and actuating mean responsive to th dictation of said indicia for starting and stopping and for controlling the direction of each of a series of stepped positioning movements of at least one of the supports to produce a contoured pattern of relative movement. I

24. In a milling machine, the combination of a milling cutter spindle, a vertically adjustable spindle support, a longitudinally movable work support, driving means for the work support, re-

versible driving means for the spindle-support,

and pattern means for controlling the operation of the spindle support including a pattern drum, reversible connections through which the drum is driven from said spindle support driving means in synchronism with the movement of the spindle support, and means for actuating said reversible connections to maintain a uni-directional operation of said pattern drum irrespective of the direction of drive of said reversible driving means for th spindle support.

25. In a milling machine, the combination of a milling cutter spindle, a vertically adjustable spindle support, a longitudinally movable work support, driving means for the work support, reversible driving means for the spindle support, and pattern means for controlling the operation of the spindle support including a pattern drum,

a screw-threaded support on which the drum is mounted for rotational and axial movement, a reversing clutch through which the drum is driven from said spindle support driving means in synchronism with the movement or the spindle support, and means operative in starting the '"spindle support to positionsaid clutch to correspond with the direction of drive of said reversible driving mean for the spindle support to maintain a unidirectional operation of the pattern drum.

26. In a milling machine, the combination of a milling cutter spindle, a vertically adjustable spindle support, a longitudinally movable work support, driving means for the work support, reversible driving. means for the spindle support, and pattern mean for controlling the operation of the spindle support including a pattern drum, a screw-threaded support on which the drum is mounted for rotational and axial movement a reversing clutch through which the drum is driven from said spindle support driving means in synchronism with the movement of the spindle support, means operative in starting the spindle support to position said clutch to correspond with the direction of drive of said reversible driv-- ing means for the spindle support to maintain a uni-directional operation of the pattern drum,

. and a manual control shiftable to move said respindle support, a longitudinally movable work support, driving means for the work support, a reversible electric motor for drivingthe spindle support, and pattern means for controlling the operation of the spindle support for profile milling including a pattern drum, a reversingclutch through which the drum is arranged to be driven from said motor continuously in the same direction in synchronism with the movement of the spindle support, starting, stopping and reversing relays, and electrical connections controlled thereby for starting, stopping and reversing the motor and for correspondingly positioning the reversing clutch, energizing means including individual photo-electric cells associated with each of said relays, a source of light, and pattern elements including said drum having indicia for directing a variable amount or lighton said cells.

WILLIAM s. TANDLER. DAVID s. WALKER. 

